Finding Karma in the Stars
14 October 2024
So when was the last time you looked up on a clear night? Did you see thousands of stars sparkling like diamonds and a Milky Way etched on an inky black sky? Actually, such a ravishing view has become increasingly rare in the UK. Light pollution has robbed many of the spectacle of constellations wheeling overhead and shooting stars diving to their fiery doom.
So let’s pause for a moment and rejoice.
Much of Aberdeenshire retains a night sky that takes the breath away! And it’s not just me that thinks so. According to satellite imagery, some of the best dark skies in north west Europe can be found in North East Scotland and the Highlands. You don’t need to be a stargazer to appreciate the view, anyone who looks up will discover the grandeur for themselves.
Image Credit: Richard Darn
If you have keen eyes you may spot up to 2,000 stars. The Milky Way is unmistakeable, especially during Autumn, when it bisects the Aberdeenshire sky mid-evening, whilst the Northern Lights also occurs more frequently here than almost any other part of the country. It adds up to an immersive and stress busting experience and the reason why astro tourism has become a thing, with visitors making a beeline for dark areas.
The first night I spent with a telescope under these lovely skies was nearly twenty years ago, just south of Ballater. It was by far the darkest sky I’d ever seen in the UK. With a soundtrack of stags barking, I gobbled up all sorts of celestial treasures, from distant galaxies to glittering star clusters. Fast moving meteors adorned an already stunning vista and the river of light that is the Milky Way weaved its spell on my senses.
Image Credit: Richard Darn
Eventually I stood back and just used my naked eye. I reflected that for some people when the sun goes down they shut their curtains and that's it until the morning. But they miss so much. That night the hills, mountains and forests were bathed in the most perfect star light. Simply put, Aberdeenshire is just as beautiful at night as it is in the day. So embrace the darker seasons, wrap up warm and come over to the dark side!
If your exploring the regions illuminating skies this winter make sure to tag us in your experiences. Tag @VisitABDN or use our hashtags #NorthernNights, #VisitABDN or #BeautifulABDN for the chance to be featured on our social channels!